Getting a steady shot with such a light camera??

Hello everyone, just looking for a little help. I have a small Canon Vixia HF20. Great HD camera, the only trouble I have is getting a steady shot. I could put the thing on a tripod but I shoot sports better without it on a tripod. Any tips on how to get a clean steady shot with such a light device?

Second, anyone know which setting on the camera is best for shooting sports?

If you're on a budget then look into a DIY stabilizer. Google or check out the DIY section of DVXUser for advice/instructions. It shouldn't be too hard to get something decent to control such a small camera.

- use built in optical stabilizer (assuming one)
- practice "body as a tripod", keep camera close to body, turn body, not camera.
- use the grid display function (assuming one) as a static reference. it's easier to see shaky movement on a static line/grid vs. dynamic motion.
- adding any weight to the camera will help. This technically a stabilizer, but as an example you can add weight via the threaded 1/8" tripod mount, an 1/8" bolt and some washers.
- use a monopod. a lot of tripod functionality but you can run with it.

Yeah, using a tripod as counter weight is really useful. It will add weight and some grip. Try to find the center of balance (balance the tripod with the camera attached); put it on it's side, so camera on one side and legs on the other side, horizontal. This is how real steady cams work.

Or just use a tripod in an angle to hold it with both hands.

Altough I was going for a not stable look in this video it still looks pretty stable. None of the shots were done on a tripod standing on it's legs. Just by using a tripod as extension: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ou_uT3154Kk

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